Atkins HS’s Model United Nations team had an outstanding performance at their second-ever High School United Nations Conference at Appalachian State University.
On Wednesday, March 5, the club took to Boone early in the morning to compete with schools from around the state. The conference went in favor of Atkins, as four of the seven delegates won awards. For those unfamiliar with Model UN, it is an educational simulation of the United Nations where students learn about diplomacy, international relations, and current global issues, all while honing their skills in public speaking, writing, and research. Appalachian State’s Model UN Conference is held twice a year, in both the fall and spring. Atkins participated in this year’s Spring Conference, at which the fourteen students were split into delegations of two and divided between the two councils, the General Assembly and Security Council.
Despite a difficult start to the day, severe storms and tornado warnings delaying registration times and causing several schools to arrive late or miss the event entirely, Atkins arrived on time and well prepared, taking on leading roles in several councils.
Atkins delegate winners include Riley Gordon and Maya Wood, who earned the Best Delegation award; Bradley Swayne and Sarp Ucer and Andrew Marotte and Jackson Bain, who won Outstanding Delegation; and finally, Alexandria Dove and Ella Meade, who were recognized with the Excellent Delegation award. Though the committee sizes were reduced from last year’s, Appalachian State did a fantastic job of hosting, with few setbacks past the difficult morning.
Sponsor Nicholas Arzillo expressed his pride in the students’ performance, stating, “I am proud of our team, who yesterday proved that throughout the state, Atkins is a force to be reckoned with.”
